VfL Wolfsburg vs Holstein Kiel Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Both teams have contrasting ambitions for the season.

It’s a battle of opposites at the Volkswagen Arena in Bundesliga. Wolfsburg, perched in 7th, host 17th-placed Holstein Kiel.

The Wolves, led by Ralph Hasenhüttl, have been mixing it up this season with sharp transitions and a potent attack that’s racked up 38 goals. Despite a narrow loss to Bayern last time out, Wolfsburg’s ability to strike twice against the champions highlights their firepower heading into this clash.

Holstein Kiel, meanwhile, are desperately clawing for survival. With just 11 points and no wins on the road, Marcel Rapp’s men face an uphill climb. Their 3-1 loss to Hoffenheim showcased the same old story: flashes of attacking promise undone by a leaky defence.

Kick-off

Saturday, January 25, 1 a.m. IST

Location: Volkswagen Arena

Form

Wolfsburg: L-L-W-W-L

Holstein Kiel: L-W-L-W-L

Players to watch for

Tiago Tomas (Wolfsburg)

The 22-year-old Portuguese forward has been key to Wolfsburg’s plans for someone to close the games out. Yes, he has been the go-to sub. But expect him to start the next game and hurt a weak Holstein Kiel defence. So far he has scored five goals and has provided one assist in the league.

TT 🔗 Amoura#DAZNBundesliga pic.twitter.com/YZpUjU9JlJ

— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) January 18, 2025

Andu Kelati (Holstein Kiel)

Another youngster to keep an eye on in the game is in the away camp, Andu. The midfielder has impressed every time he has stepped onto the pitch for his team. But the gaffer has carefully managed his playing time. In just four Bundesliga games he has a goal and an assist, including a goal in the last game against Hoffenheim.

Torpremiere ✨Auch wenn das Spiel nicht so verlief, wie erhofft: Glückwunsch zum ersten Bundesligator, Andu Kelati 👏🏼_#KSVTSG #KielAhoi pic.twitter.com/9mpFTnMeQ6

— Holstein Kiel (@Holstein_Kiel) January 19, 2025

Match facts

• Wolfsburg have won two in the last three games, while Holstein Kiel have only one win
• Wolfsburg have only lost once in the last four home games
• Holstein Kiel are yet to win on the road in the Bundesliga

Wolfsburg vs. Holstein Kiel: Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: Wolfsburg to win the game – 4/9 bet365
• Tip 2: Tomas to score – 9/4 bet365
• Tip 3: Over 2 goals – 2/9 VBet

Injury & team news

Wolfsburg will likely be without Jakub Kaminski, who’s nursing a bruised foot, but Tiago Tomas is back in contention after serving his suspension. Injuries continue to plague their squad, with Lovro Majer recovering from ankle surgery, Bartosz Bialek out with an ACL injury, and Kevin Paredes edging closer to a return. Rogerio remains sidelined after another knee operation.

Holstein Kiel are also feeling the injury pinch. Colin Kleine-Bekel is recovering from an ACL injury, while Patrick Erras and Marvin Schulz are sidelined with a concussion and muscle issue, respectively. Steven Skrzybski’s Achilles problems linger, and Lewis Holtby is serving a suspension. Marco Komenda’s fitness is in doubt after limping off last match.

Head-to-head

Games: 6

Wolfsburg: 4

Holstein Kiel: 1

Draws: 1

Predicted lineups

Wolfsburg (4-2-3-1)

Grabara; Fischer, Vavro, Koulierakis, Maehle; Arnold, Dardai; Amoura, Gerhadt, Wimmer; Tomas

Holstein Kiel (3-4-1-2)

Weiner; Zec, Becker, Komenda; Porad, Knudsen, Remberg, Rosenboom; Kelati; Machino, Harres

Match prediction

Given the form of the two teams and the home advantage, we predict Wolfsburg to take away all three points.

Prediction: Wolfsburg 2-0 Holstein Kiel

Telecast

India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network

UK: Sky Sports Mix, SkyGo Uk

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: StarTimes App, Canal + Sport 1 Afrique

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